* Suspension of particulate, microencapsulated marine proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates fortified with complex and free-form amino and fatty acids, and vitamins important to immune system function. * Appropriate for feeding many LPS, zooxanthellate, and azooxanthellate soft corals, as well as gorgonians, anemones, and other solitary and colonial polyps, particularly at night when tentacles are extended to maximize chances of prey-capture. * Readily eaten by a multitude of reef-associated fishes known to feed on zooplankton and food particles drifting in the water column, including anemonefishes, basslets and pseudochromids, anthias, damselfishes and chromis, pygmy angelfishes, cardinalfishes, dartfishes, jawfishes, hawkfishes, wrasse, and many surgeonfishes. * Does not require refrigeration. * Formulated by a marine scientist.

Technical Background

As pristine and “clear” as the waters flowing over tropical reefs may appear to the casual observer, closer examination reveals an abundance of zooplankton and suspended particulate organic material that is ever present (though the abundance may change on a temporal basis, particularly at night), and is an extremely important source of food to reef ecosystems, as a whole. These microorganisms and particulates are preyed and fed upon, respectively, by a multitude of fishes and sessile invertebrates regularly seen in the marine aquarium hobby. Brightwell Aquatics Micrvore effectively replicates the presence of zooplankton and particulates so natural to reef fishes and suspension-feeding invertebrates such as corals and tube worms. Equally important, Micrvore is an ideal blend of marine-derived nutrients required for long-term health, growth, and coloration of the reef fishes and invertebrates that feed upon it. Furthermore, it is a useful aid in encouraging zooplanktivorous fishes, such as anthias, to begin eating after addition to aquaria. Micrvore does not require refrigeration, however storage in a cool, shaded area will prolong the activity of the vitamins. Refrigeration will maximize the shelf-life of the product.

Instructions and Guidelines:

Shake product well before using. Turn protein skimmer and other forms of mechanical filtration off prior to adding Micrvore to aquaria, and allow 10 - 15 minutes after use before resuming operation of filtration. Target Feeding (corals): Target feeding may be carried out with a lengthy piece of rigid air tubing, plastic syringe, pipette, dropper, or similar device; suck a portion of Micrvore into the feeding device, then slowly discharge the contents of the device 2 - 4” upstream of the target organism(s). Repeat these steps as deemed necessary. Do not place items that have been exposed to aquarium water inside this container without first thoroughly rinsing them (inside and outside) with fresh water; failure to do so will contaminate the product and encourage it to decompose. See ‘Notes’ below regarding maximum recommended feeding amount. Most zooxanthellate corals extend their tentacles at night, when the majority of coralivorous and zooplanktivorous fishes are asleep and the abundance of zooplankton in the water column passing over and through the reef is at its greatest. Therefore, the most sensible time to feed Micrvore to corals is after all lights in the aquarium have been off (preferably for at least one- to two-hours) and the room is dark. Using a dim flashlight, illuminate the area immediately upstream of the coral to be fed, then feed as directed above. Broadcast Dispersal (primarily for feeding fishes): Add up to 2.5 ml (½-capful) per 50 gallons of water in the entire aquarium system in an area of rapid water movement every other day for the first four weeks of use; thereafter, the dosage may be gradually increased if desired. Notes: Micrvore should be considered a type of food. Add no more than 5 ml total of liquid food suspensions per 50 gallons of water in the entire aquarium system daily for the first four weeks of use; thereafter, the dosage may be gradually increased as desired. Starting out at a low dosage and gradually increasing it with time will allow the biological filtration in the aquarium to adjust to the increase in nutrients and prevent water quality from deteriorating.